March 29, 2020

Our County, our state, our nation, and the entire planet faces an unprecedented challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few weeks, each day has brought changes for every OCEA member.

March 27, 2020

Today concludes week two of OCEA’s response to the unprecedented workplace impacts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting the community is what you and your coworkers signed up to do, and nurses, social workers, educators, public safety officials, and others are meeting that challenge every day. In a crisis like this, there are no “non-essential” public workers.

March 23, 2020

The past several weeks have been unprecedented for our nation and our union. We are adapting to new realities with the same values that have guided our union—advocacy, member involvement and strength in numbers.

March 20, 2020

In compliance with Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 19, 2020 order, OCEA is further limiting the number of workers stationed at our headquarters at 830 N. Ross Street. The OCEA building has been closed to the public to limit contacts that could lead to a transmission of the COVID-19 virus. What is not being limited in any way is the exclusive representation OCEA staff continues to provide to you and your fellow OCEA members. Please see the graphic below illustrating how to reach all of OCEA’s divisions and services. Every member of our team remains on the job and available through telecommuting.

March 18, 2020

As you likely know by now, late last week the California Supreme Court denied our request for review in our litigation against the County. That ends what has been an eight-year effort in Court to restore peace officer status to Sheriff’s Special Officers.

March 18, 2020

Every OCEA member’s efforts to balance work and family life during the COVID-19 crisis are unique to that member. We will continue to keep you informed as we learn new (and sometimes inconsistent) protocols being established by the County which may impact your efforts.